If you live on the Central Coast, especially in an older property, you’ve probably wondered if your property contains asbestos. This once-common building material can still be found in many homes and commercial properties today. While it’s not something to panic about, it’s definitely something you should be aware of, especially if your property was built before the 1990s.
So, how do you know if your property needs asbestos testing? It’s not always obvious, and asbestos isn’t something you can simply spot by eye. To make it easier, we’ve outlined five key signs that indicate it might be time to get your property tested for asbestos.
1. Your Property Was Built Before the 1990s
Asbestos was commonly used in Australian construction materials up until the late 1980s. If your Central Coast home or commercial building was built before this time, there’s a good chance that asbestos could be present in some form. This can include insulation, roofing, wall panels, or even flooring.
It’s important to remember that asbestos isn’t harmful if it’s in good condition and left undisturbed. However, when it’s damaged or deteriorating, it can release harmful fibres into the air, which is when it becomes a health hazard. If your property falls into this age bracket, it’s a good idea to consider asbestos testing, particularly before doing any renovations.
2. There’s Deterioration in Older Building Materials
Asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) don’t last forever. Over time, they can break down, crack, or become damaged, especially if they’ve been exposed to weather, moisture, or general wear and tear. Common areas where you might see this include roofing sheets, wall cladding, or insulation.
If you notice visible signs of deterioration such as cracked or crumbling building materials, peeling insulation, or damaged cement sheets, it’s best not to disturb these materials. Instead, arrange for an asbestos test. Professionals can safely check if asbestos is present and determine whether it poses a risk.
3. You’re Planning to Renovate or Demolish
One of the most common times to discover asbestos is during a renovation or demolition. When you start knocking down walls, pulling up old flooring, or tearing off roofing, you can disturb asbestos fibres and release them into the air. This is when the material goes from being relatively harmless to becoming a potential health hazard.
Before you start any significant renovation or demolition project on the Central Coast, it’s crucial to get your property tested for asbestos; especially if it’s older. Testing will ensure you don’t unknowingly expose yourself, your family, or workers to harmful asbestos fibres.
4. You’ve Recently Moved Into an Older Home
Buying a new home is exciting, but if the property was built before the 1990s, it’s a good idea to get it checked for asbestos. Many homeowners are unaware of the potential presence of asbestos in older homes, particularly if the property has been well-maintained and shows no obvious signs of damage.
Asbestos testing will provide peace of mind and help you better understand your home’s safety risks. If asbestos is found, you can make informed decisions about whether it needs to be removed or if it’s safe to leave undisturbed. Either way, having this knowledge can help you plan future renovations or repairs safely.
5. There’s Been Previous Asbestos Removal
If asbestos has been removed from your property before, you might assume you’re in the clear. However, that’s not always the case. Sometimes, removal work can leave behind traces of asbestos, especially if the removal wasn’t done professionally or thoroughly. In addition, only certain materials might have been removed, while others containing asbestos may have been left behind.
If you suspect asbestos removal has been done in the past, it’s a smart idea to follow up with another round of asbestos testing. This way, you can ensure that all asbestos has been properly dealt with and that no residual fibres pose a risk.
Why Testing Is Important
Asbestos is a known health hazard, and long-term exposure to its fibres can lead to serious conditions like mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer. However, these risks are only present when asbestos is disturbed or deteriorating. If it’s well-contained, such as in sealed roofing or walls, it’s often best left alone. That’s where testing comes in. Professional asbestos testing can tell you whether or not asbestos is present and whether it needs to be removed or managed.
How Does Asbestos Testing Work?
Asbestos testing is a straightforward process, but it’s not something you should try to do yourself. A licensed professional will visit your property and take samples of materials that may contain asbestos. These samples are then sent to a lab for testing to confirm if asbestos is present and, if so, in what form.
Once you have the results, you’ll have a clear understanding of whether asbestos is present and if any action needs to be taken. If asbestos is found, your next step might involve removing it or simply sealing and containing it, depending on the material’s condition.
If your Central Coast property ticks any of the boxes we’ve discussed, it’s worth considering asbestos testing. It’s a small step that can make a big difference to your health and safety.
Asbestos testing ensures peace of mind, helping you protect your home, family, and future. To get your property tested call About The House and avoid the risks that come with undetected asbestos.